Many of you have heard of consumer efforts to reduce gasoline prices, such
as gas out days when we are encouraged not to buy gas, and boycotts of companies that
allegedly maintain the highest prices or the greatest pricing control. However, prices are
based primarily on demand. Refusing to buy gasoline on a specific day or from a specific
company does not reduce the amount of gas consumed, and therefore has no effect on
demand...or prices.

Back in the late '70s, an artificial "shortage" was created by
OPEC in order to raise prices. People were allowed to buy gasoline only on odd or even
days, based on license plate numbers. This created panic, and although prices rose daily,
there were long lines at the pumps and people waited, fuming, to pay. So what happened?
America's trade position became stronger, allowing us to keep oil prices artificially low.
Fuel-efficient cars became popular. Legislation passed which prohibited car manufacturers
from producing fuel-inefficient cars. The concept of carpooling came into being. And gas
prices went down.

They have risen only very slowly in the past two decades, due both to
America's strong trade position and improved driving habits, until recently. We have
enjoyed almost twenty years of nearly the lowest price per gallon in the whole world, and
have come to expect it as a right.

With the rising popularity of sport utility and other fuel-inefficient
vehicles (which aren't classed as "cars" and therefore are not subject to fuel
efficiency regulations), reduced carpooling, and other factors, gasoline providers have
decided once again to pull a "shortage" and raise prices. Our best ammunition in
fighting this is not gas out days or boycotts against only one company. It is in reducing
demand. How can we do this? By changing our thinking. Can you carpool one or two days a
week? Can you change your habits when driving to or from work or school to include
errands, so that you don't make separate trips to the grocery store, post office, bank,
cleaners, etc.? Can you share a ride with a friend when going out for the evening instead
of meeting there? This suggestion has the added benefit of shared parking fees and added
safety when walking to and from the car. Are there any errands you can safely do by
walking or riding a bike? If you own a gas guzzler, the next time you buy a car, will you
consider a fuel-efficient or even an electric car for normal driving? Most SUVs get far
worse gas mileage than my mother's 12-year-old Chrysler New Yorker. You can always share
or rent a larger vehicle when you really need one. ALL vehicles should be kept tuned up
and tires inflated correctly, so that they run as efficiently as possible. For those
comfortable with the internet, many errands can be run online. Can you persuade a friend,
neighbor, or family member to do at least one of the above? Small changes like these can
make a large difference in the amount of gasoline Americans consume.

If we can reduce demand to meet the"shortage" imposed by
gasoline companies, they will lower their prices in order to increase demand. It's
important that we keep up our improved habits when they do, or prices will rise again.
Naturally, these actions will also reduce pollution and extend the life of our cars,
engine oil, and tires. Personally, I have made a commitment to ride my bicycle to work two
days a week during the summer. While not everyone can do this, there are other small ways
you can make a huge difference. All you have to do is try.